In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, UK SMEs are facing unprecedented challenges in managing their IT and connectivity needs. With limited resources and increasing reliance on technology, many SMEs are struggling to keep up. According to a survey by Personnel Today, almost half (45%) of IT employees feel stressed due to the rising threat of cybercrime and the pressure to manage increasingly complex IT systems.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help. This short blog offers IT managers and SME business leaders some practical advice on how to keep the stress down.

Ensure Employees Stay Up to Date with the Risks of Shadow IT:

Shadow IT is the use of IT-related hardware or software by a team or individual without the knowledge of the IT or security group within the organisation. The main area of concern today is the rapid adoption of cloud-based services, employees have become comfortable downloading and using apps and services from the cloud to assist them in their work. By ensuring the entire company is aware of the risks and that your IT team have complete oversight, you can save plenty of time on the problems that Shadow IT often causes.

Implement Cloud Solutions:

Cloud-based services offer scalability and flexibility, allowing SMEs to adjust their resources based on demand. This reduces the need for extensive on-site infrastructure and the associated maintenance costs.

Outsource IT Support:

Partnering with a managed service provider can offload the day-to-day management of IT systems. MSPs can offer 24/7 monitoring, rapid response to incidents, and expert support, freeing up internal IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

Automate Routine Tasks:

Software updates, backups, and security scans can be arduous tasks for a lean IT team or an Office Manager who has taken on these responsibilities. Using one of the many automation systems which can be incorporated into your software-defined network, or at the router level, can reduce the workload on IT departments while minimising the risk of human error.

Enhance Cybersecurity Measures:

Investing in robust cybersecurity solutions, including multi-factor authentication and advanced threat detection, can prevent security breaches and reduce the stress associated with managing cyberthreats.

Adopt the Connected Business Solution:

Connected Business offers a comprehensive solution for SMEs looking to enhance their IT infrastructure. By integrating various technologies into one platform, Connected Business provides a unified approach to managing security and connectivity. The solution saves time by being fully managed by an expert team too. The service includes an ultra-resilient leased line, a Cisco Meraki router with advanced security features, a Wi-Fi access point, and an industry-leading 4-hour break-fix SLA. With a single-pane-of-glass dashboard, SMEs can easily monitor all devices connected to their network, everything is one place for peace of mind.

Conclusion:

Reducing stress on IT teams is crucial for SMEs to maintain business continuity and stay competitive. By ensuring employees are aware of potential threats, SMEs can significantly reduce the burden on their IT departments. Additionally, adopting solutions like Connected Business can provide a seamless and comprehensive approach to managing IT and connectivity needs, saving time and helping to bolster productivity.

Don't wait until it's too late, take action now to secure your business and reduce stress on your IT team. For more information on how Connected Business can help, click here.